Burundi’s new president elect Evariste Ndayishimiye is expected to take office today following the sudden death of his predecessor President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Ndayishimiye was elected president in May in an disputed victory by the opposition and the Catholic church in Burundi.
His inauguration ceremony was supposed to be in August this year however after the shocking death of president Nkurunziza, cabinet resolved to seek constitutional court guidance to declare vacuum of the position of the president.
Ndayishimiye’s swearing in will take place at the Ingoma Stadium in the administrative capital of Gitega. Public has been asked to arrive in time to allow time for COVID-19 measures such washing of hands and measuring of body temperatures at the entrance.
Diplomats and representatives of International organizations have been invited, however DRC’s Felix Tshiesekedi is the only expected to attend due to the effects of the corona virus pandemic which restricts international movements.
Nkurunziza who died on June9th left an isolated country something that created vacuum in the country’s top position.
Constitutionally, Pascal Nabenda of the Burundi National Assembly was supposed to take office, however there were rising power struggles between members of the cabinet and the army on who should take office.
Court later ruled for the immediate swearing in of President elect Evariste Ndayishimiye.
By Press time, Nkurunziza’s funeral ceremony has not been disclosed.
